Back to school, back to reality

With the summer/Christmas break come and gone and all the major
retail stores and advertisements lined with back-to-school
essentials and reminding us that the academic year 2014 is
awaiting its debut, here are a few tips taken from Teen Angst
Psychology by Raychelle Cassada Lohmann to guide South African
learners as well as other learners going back to school, to have
a successful school year.

1) First of all, try your best and remember not everyone can get
all As, so it is important to give it your all and know that as
long as it is your best, then you are giving all you have got.

2) Don't sleep in class, as you may miss something really
important.

3) Don't tick off the teacher, as that is not a good way to start
the school year.

4) Get to school on time, be ready and prepared, and don't skip
classes.

5) Be nice to people, including your teachers.

6) Don't just start with a positive attitude, keep that attitude
throughout the year as this is likely to help you get all your
work done.

7) Stay organized so as to avoid getting frustrated, make sure to
have a separate binder for each class.

8) If for some reason you are absent for a few days, make sure to
get the work you missed. Your teacher is the best person to get
you caught up and to explain things to you, not your friends. If
you are not doing well with something, learn to ask for help.

9) Stay away from the drama as this can take your focus away from
your work.

10) Last but not least, get involved in extra-curricular
activities, as work and no play can make your school life dull
and boring. Avoid procrastination when it comes to studying and
homework.